Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Salad
Roasted butternut squash pasta salad is a vibrant and comforting dish, perfect for any season. This delightful salad features perfectly roasted butternut squash, al dente pasta, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s not only visually appealing but also loaded with flavor, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. With easy preparation and customizable ingredients, this salad quickly becomes a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (or gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, cooled pasta, fresh spinach, lemon juice, and additional olive oil if desired. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider incorporating nuts or seeds. Substitute pasta with quinoa for a gluten-free option. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for varied flavors.